PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What happens to the electrons in oxidation reactions?

1. They are gained.

2. They are lost.

3. They are neutralized.

4. They remain unchanged.

The correct answer is: They are lost.

In oxidation reactions, electrons are lost from the substance undergoing oxidation. This process involves the increase of oxidation state for the element that loses electrons. It’s a fundamental concept in chemistry that ties into the larger framework of redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions. During oxidation, the loss of electrons typically occurs alongside the gain of electrons by another substance in the reaction, which is referred to as reduction. This complementarity is crucial in understanding how energy is transferred within chemical processes, such as in biological systems or in electrochemical cells. While some options hint at other potential actions regarding electrons, they do not accurately define the process of oxidation. For example, gaining electrons pertains to reduction, while neutralization refers to a different concept entirely, such as that occurring in acid-base reactions. The notion that electrons remain unchanged contradicts the fundamental principle of oxidation wherein electron transfer is key.